HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST RUNNING SHOES

You may have been inspired by a recent race on television and thought: “I can do that!” Your next step is finding the right pair of running shoes. Getting running shoes that are perfectly suited to your body type and running style sets you up for a lifetime of running, rather than just a few months. There are a few questions you should ask yourself before heading out to your nearest ASICS store.

HOW FAR DO YOU WANT TO RUN?

Are your eyes set on a marathon? If so, you should be looking for lots of cushioning and comfort. Otherwise those 26 miles will seem much longer. You also need to think about the high mileage when you’re in training. Good comfort makes sticking to your running plan easier and much more enjoyable. Cushioning and comfort are also key to runners who just want to do a couple of short runs every week.

WHAT TERRAIN ARE YOU GOING TO RUN ON?

You wouldn’t take a Ferrari off road. In the same way, you wouldn’t want to do trail running in a pair of road shoes. There are shoes designed for beginners across all types of running – from trails to track. And you ought to think about the kind of weather you’ll be running in – shoes with good grip will keep your feet secure when it’s raining or you’re out on icy roads.

WHAT’S YOUR PRONATION LEVEL?

Pronation is entirely normal, and it describes the amount your foot rolls inward as you run. But if you overpronate – where your foot rolls inwards too far – you’ll need a shoe that helps correct your running style and support you all the way. Find out more about pronation.

WHAT IS YOUR FOOT SHAPE?

If your feet are slightly wider – don’t worry. You won’t have to squeeze into a narrow shoe. Instead you can go for a wider one that is roomy inside and cuts down blisters on the sides of your feet. You can get wider shoes from ASICS – check out 2E and 4E shoes.

WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET?

Obviously you’d like the very best shoes out there, but sometimes your budget might get in the way. You should make sure you get all the features you need though – otherwise you run the risk of getting cheap, flimsy shoes that can

Be uncomfortable and make you want to stop running

Wear down quickly so you need a new pair soon after

So it’s worthwhile spending a little more on a good pair that are comfortable, long-lasting and always there for you during training runs and races.